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General Freyberg to the Minister of Defence

I have just received the following cable from General Wilson:

We will shortly be sending a force into Athens on the German evacuation. For association's sake I am anxious to include a New Zealand detachment, not exceeding 300. The popularity of New Zealand troops with the Greek civil population is very great. I am informed that the New Zealand reinforcements in Egypt might provide a potential source for this detachment without prejudice to the New Zealand forces operating in Italy.

I have advised General Wilson that the question is being referred to you and that I will cable him as soon as I get your reply.¹